Trail 3 and Trail 5 are the two busiest hiking trails in Islamabad's Margalla Hills, both starting a few hundred metres apart on Margalla Road and both eventually reaching the Pir Sohawa road near the top of the ridge. Trail 3 is shorter, steeper and busier; Trail 5 is longer, gentler and quieter, following a stream for its first stretch. Most first-time hikers do better on Trail 5 or the lower part of Trail 3; regulars looking for a quick workout tend to prefer Trail 3.
This guide puts the two head to head on the things that actually decide which one suits you.
| At a glance | Trail 3 | Trail 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Start point | Margalla Road, opposite F-6 | Margalla Road, opposite F-5, at Dara Jangla |
| Time to first landmark | 30–50 minutes to the viewpoint | Longer, gentler stream section first |
| Time to Pir Sohawa road | About 1.5 hours from the start | 2.5 to 3.5 hours (CDA estimate) |
| Terrain | Steep, rocky, some fire-lane sections | Stream crossing, then steeper rocky climb |
| Shade | Limited, more exposed | Better in the lower, stream-side section |
| Crowds | The busiest trail in Islamabad | Busy, but noticeably quieter than Trail 3 |
Steepness and difficulty
Trail 3 gets steep quickly. The climb to its first viewpoint takes 30 to 50 minutes for a fit walker, longer for most first-timers, on ground that is rocky and, in places, a fire lane rather than a proper path. It is the most physically demanding of the two for its length.
Trail 5 starts gently, following a small stream through the forest on an easy gradient, before the path narrows and climbs more steeply towards a saddle and on to the Pir Sohawa road. The CDA gives 2.5 to 3.5 hours for the full trail, reflecting its greater length rather than a harder gradient than Trail 3. Both trails involve some scrambling over rock higher up, but neither needs technical climbing.
Shade and terrain
Trail 5's early stream section is the more comfortable of the two in hot weather, with tree cover and running water for part of the year. Trail 3 has less shade overall and feels more exposed, particularly on the steep sections near the bottom, which matters if you are walking in the middle of a summer day.
Both trails turn rocky and drier higher up, so the shade advantage on Trail 5 mostly applies to its lower half.
Crowds
Trail 3 is, by a wide margin, the most popular hiking trail in Islamabad. It is the oldest and best known of the numbered trails, well marked and well maintained, which is exactly why it draws the biggest weekend crowds. Expect queues at the narrower sections on Friday evenings, Sundays and public holidays.
Trail 5 gets busy too, since it is the second most popular option, but nowhere near as crowded as Trail 3. If you want the forest and stream experience without walking shoulder to shoulder with other hikers, Trail 5 is the better pick.
Time needed
Trail 3 rewards a shorter outing: many people walk only as far as the first viewpoint, 30 to 50 minutes up and a similar time back down, and treat that as the full hike. Continuing to Pir Sohawa road adds roughly another 45 minutes to an hour.
Trail 5 is a longer commitment if you're aiming for the top. The CDA's own estimate of 2.5 to 3.5 hours for the full route means it needs a proper half-day, though the stream section alone makes a shorter, easier outing if you turn back early, as covered in our guide to easy hikes in Islamabad.
Which one should you choose?
- Want a quick, steep workout with a city view and don't mind crowds? Trail 3, and stop at the first viewpoint if you're short on time.
- Want a longer, gentler walk through forest and along a stream, with fewer people around? Trail 5.
- Hiking with children or as a first-timer? Either trail's lower section works, but Trail 5's stream stretch is the gentler introduction; our family hike guide to Trail 2 is an even shorter option if that's the priority.
- Want to reach Pir Sohawa on foot and don't mind which route? Trail 3 gets you there faster; Trail 5 takes longer but is a more varied walk.
- Already know one and want variety? Trail 4 connects the two, letting you go up one and down the other.
Neither trail is objectively "better"; they suit different days and different hikers. For the full picture across all six numbered trails, see our comparison of every Margalla trail.
Frequently asked questions
Which is harder, Trail 3 or Trail 5?
Trail 3 is steeper and more demanding for its length, especially the climb to the first viewpoint. Trail 5 is gentler at the start but takes longer overall to reach the Pir Sohawa road.
Which trail is less crowded, Trail 3 or Trail 5?
Trail 5. Trail 3 is the single busiest hiking trail in Islamabad, particularly at weekends, while Trail 5 sees noticeably fewer walkers.
Can I walk from Trail 3 to Trail 5, or the other way round?
Yes, using the connecting sections of Trail 4, which links the two trails higher up the ridge, described in our Trail 4 guide.
Which trail is better for a first-time hiker?
Trail 5's stream-side lower section is the gentler introduction, though many first-timers also manage the climb to Trail 3's first viewpoint. Trail 2, a shorter separate trail, is the easiest option of all.
How long does each trail take to Pir Sohawa road?
Around 1.5 hours from the start on Trail 3, and 2.5 to 3.5 hours on Trail 5, according to CDA estimates.
